Walking Bangkok

Monday, May 5, 08
Tomorrow, 7:30, we will be picked up along Khao San Road and driven to Aranya Prathet, at the Thailand/Cambodia border. From there, we will need to make our way to Ankor Wat.
Again, finding ourselves in a frat house, John and I have decided to spend a few more Baht and enjoy Air Con and a higher standard of living. After breakfast of a roti and coffee, at a small Indian restaurant, we find a room at Thara House for 5oo B. Oh, we are living it up; hot shower, Air Con, soap, towel, top sheet and shampoo. This will make up for all the low living we can expect in Cambodia, which is known for spartan hostels.
Having yesterday traveled the Chao Phraya River, we attempt to find a boat which will take us through the canals of Thonburi. Thonburi is across the river from Bangkok, to the west, and once served as the capital. Approaching the boat stops, there is a constant attempt to get us into tours or expensive excursions. Our mission, which we accept, is to find that boat the locals use.
Crossing the Chao Phraya on the ferry, we are now on the Thonburi side.
There are markets which spring up around many of the boat landings. Here is no different. Anything can be purchased - clothes, electronics, beauty enhancements and entertainment.
We begin walking, looking for the spot where we can catch the water taxi heading into the canals. Turning left along a canal, we walk, not finding what we want, past the construction of a hospital, on till we happen on the Thonburi Locomotive Depot. Five steam engines are held for special occasions, King's birthday and other special days. In the grease, grime and diesel, we walk through taking time to climb aboard the old engines. This is how the US used to be before safety and liability took hold. Welcomed, we enjoy talking with the mechanics, who are over-joyed to have a distraction.
Deep into the interior of a tight housing complex, we have unintentionally turned into the closeness of Bangkok. Happening upon 3 women and one man, drinking whiskey and having lunch, we are encouraged to join them. Declining, but spending time cooling off next to their fan, we are made to feel part of the family. Coming out of the narrow, twisting passages between homes, we find ourselves underneath a large bridge. On the other side, we again find narrow streets with temples, repair shops, a seamstress, and eateries. Here we stop for a drink, a Pepsi taken in a plastic bag with ice and straw. When the drink if finished, we use the ice to pour over our legs, hold against our arms, and cool off with it pressed against our foreheads. It's hot!
Finding the canal, we can't find the stops. The canals and river are teaming with fish. Literally, every moment there are 2-5 fish popping to the surface. Yet, in this pollution, who will eat them. Periodically, a breeze comes through dropping a degree or two. But, not long enough. Retracing our steps, we again find where the ferry had first brought us across. We return to the Bangkok side, east side, and find our way to our room. Air Con! 3 1/2 hour enjoyable walk.
Chao Phraya pics and walk: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/musungi/ChaoPhraya